It is a topic which provokes fierce debate, no matter where you are in the footballing world.

Local versus global? Home-grown versus internationally-sourced? Developed versus recruited? Wherever you stand, the subject splits opinion like few others in the game.

At Liverpool, of course, the issue is particularly prevalent. For a club which has always taken great pride in its ability to “grow its own”, the well has run dry in recent years.

Indeed, since Steven Gerrard’s debut, in 1998, only one Merseyside-based player has broken through to make more than 50 league appearances for the Reds. And that player, Martin Kelly, was sold to Crystal Palace last month.

Now, though, the hope is that times are about to change. Liverpool have invested heavily in their Academy facility at Kirkby, and the feeling is that it won’t be long before the famous Anfield production line is back in operation.

For Alex Inglethorpe, the challenge is a daily one. The 42-year-old has just been promoted to the role of Academy director, and told the ECHO the idea of producing quality, Merseyside-bred footballers is high on his agenda.

“Liverpool has always been synonymous with having local lads coming through,” he says.

“Whether that’s a Michael Owen, a Robbie Fowler, a Steven Gerrard or a Jamie Carragher, that bloodline has always been there.

“We will always look to recruit the best, both from England and from abroad. But we also don’t want to forget what’s under our noses.

“The supporters will always identify with a player who shares the same characteristics as themselves, and it is important that we don’t lose that link into the local community.

“It’s hard, because the landscape is different now. Some of the biggest clubs in the world are within half an hour of us, so obviously it is more competitive when it comes to recruiting young lads.

“But I do think there is a huge attraction for a lad from Liverpool, or Merseyside should I say, to play for his local team. I think there is a pull for most of the boys, it’s their dream to go and play at Anfield, and we shouldn’t lose sight of that.

“Of course it’s difficult for a young local lad to break through, but that goes for any player. They are trying now to break into what will always be an international XI.

“But for us, it’s a challenge worth taking on. I know one thing; I would hate to think of a club without a strong link into its community.”

A hands-on coach – “I’m better on the grass than behind a desk,” he says – Inglethorpe’s new, adjusted role sees him take responsibility for spreading the philosophy and ideals of Liverpool’s first team across the entire Academy. From the U6s to the U21s, his influence is all-encompassing.

“I’m realistic,” he says. “I know that if I am trying to address issues at U6, U7, U8 level, then the likelihood is that I am not going to be around to reap the benefits further down the line!

“But I don’t think that is any reason not to do it. The easiest thing to do is to focus on the short-term and look only at the U18s and the U16s, but that is not what I want. I want a complete Academy, from six through to 21.

“There’s an expression, ‘society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in’, and I think that applies with the Academy. I may not get the benefit from the work we do at U6 and U7 level, but I still want to do it to safeguard the future.”

That future, it must be said, is already looking bright. Liverpool’s first-team picture is dominated currently by Raheem Sterling, signed as a 15-year-old and developed into a star for club and country, while there is a gaggle of young talents knocking on the door of Brendan Rodgers’ side, many of whom have worked under Inglethorpe in his previous role as U21 coach.

“We’re really lucky,” he says. “We have a manager and a first-team staff that recognise talent, and are brave enough to put players in if they’re good enough.

“That’s vital for any young lad. You have to see that there is a chance there. There has got to be a glimmer of, light at the end of the tunnel, otherwise it is pointless being around.

“The trick for us at the Academy is not just to get a player a debut. Debuts are one thing, but players that play 40, 50 games and beyond is what we are after.

“My remit for the last 10 years of working has been to try and produce Champions League quality players, irrespective of what the first team are doing at the time. That doesn’t change.

“And to become a Champions League player, you need special attributes. Physically, technically, tactically and mentally, you need to be elite. It’s a huge challenge, both for our players and for our coaches, but it’s one that we are happy to take on.”